Replacing transmission of right drive vehicle with transmission designed for left drive vehicle, and associated change-over linkage

ABSTRACT

An inadequate original equipment transmission in a right hand drive vehicle, for example a postal vehicle, is replaced with a more suitable transmission designed for a left hand drive vehicle. A right-to-left change-over linkage connects the shift rod emanating from the driver&#39;s gear selector lever to the shift lever on the left side of the replacement transmission. A kit containing necessary parts for replacing the transmission is disclosed. Also disclosed is a step-by-step operational procedure for carrying out the transmission replacement.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to vehicle transmissions, more particularlyto the replacement of an inadequate original equipment transmission in aright hand drive vehicle with a more suitable transmission designed fora left hand drive vehicle, and to a change-over linkage for connectingthe shift rod emanating from the driver's gear selector inside thevehicle to the shift lever on the replacement transmission.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The transmissions of various types of motor vehicles often faildue to faulty maintenance, use in excessively demanding conditions, or amere accumulation of high mileage. Such failed transmissions, ifproperly suited to the vehicle, are typically replaced with a repaired,rebuilt or new transmission of the same type.

[0003] In those situations where transmissions in a particular type ofvehicle repeatedly fail at low mileage, it is often the case that thetransmissions are not properly matched to the vehicle or to the demandsof the driving conditions to which the vehicles are being subjected. Avexing example of this problem has been the excessive early failure rateof transmissions in many postal vehicles owing, in part, to afundamental mismatch of transmission to vehicle and, in part, to thestop-and-go nature of the vehicle's use. More particularly, the UnitedStates Postal Service has experienced numerous and repeated transmissionfailures in its Grumman LLV-A postal vehicles. These vehicles have along history of experiencing transmission failure at as little as nineto twenty four months into the vehicle's operating life. Rebuilttransmissions of the same design have been installed into these vehiclesand appear to have an even shorter life, sometimes as little as severalmonths. The cost to the United States Postal Service in attending to therepairs of these vehicles, accounting for vehicle down time and payingfor rebuilt transmissions and installation, is an exceedingly importantcost factor to the Postal Service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to the invention, in one particular embodiment,original equipment LLV-A transmissions are replaced with transmissionsthat have been proven to more closely match the needs of these vehicleswhen used on postal routes. One example of a replacement transmission isthe General Motors 700R4 transmission which has now been proven to lastsignificantly longer than the original vehicle transmission, with anapparent added benefit of an approximate ten-percent increase in fuelefficiency.

[0005] The replacement of an LLV-A postal vehicle transmission with a700R4 transmission, or equivalent, is complicated by the fact that theLLV-A vehicle is a right hand drive vehicle having a gear selectormechanism that connects to a transmission adapted for a right hand drivevehicle. Replacing the LLV-A transmission with a transmission intendedfor a left hand drive vehicle presents a considerable challenge inlinking the gear selector mechanism to the replacement transmission.More particularly, this linkage dilemma has proven an obstacle to thedevelopment of a repeatable, “assembly line” procedure for installingthese replacement transmissions. Thus, in another aspect, the presentinvention provides a change-over linkage that permits an inadequatetransmission in a right hand drive vehicle to be replaced with a moreproperly vehicle-matched transmission designed for a left hand drivevehicle.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be defined as akit including parts necessary to make a transmission replacement asdescribed above.

[0007] In another aspect, the invention may be defined as an operationalprocedure for carrying out the transmission replacement using componentscontained in the kit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Some of the objects having been stated, other objects will appearas the description proceeds, when taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which—

[0009]FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a right hand drive postal vehicle(shown in phantom) with portions of the vehicle broken away to permitillustration of the original equipment transmission having a right sideshift lever connected to the shift rod running from the driver's gearselector lever on the steering column inside the vehicle.

[0010]FIG. 1A is an enlarged bottom view of the vehicle of FIG. 1showing portions of the transmission and the connection to the shift rodto the transmission's shift lever.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the right hand drivepostal vehicle with an installed replacement transmission primarilydesigned for a left hand drive vehicle, and also showing the change-overlinkage of the invention that connects the shift rod on the right sideof the vehicle to the shift lever on the left side of the transmission.

[0012]FIG. 2A-1 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 2 within thecircle C.

[0013]FIG. 2A is an enlarged bottom view of portions of the replacementtransmission and the change-over linkage of FIG. 2.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the principal components of thechange-over linkage illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2A-1.

[0015] FIGS. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with portions of thechange-over linkage exploded.

[0016]FIG. 5 illustrates the primary components of a kit containingnecessary parts for replacing the original equipment transmission of aright hand drive vehicle with a replacement transmission primarilyadapted for a left hand drive vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] While the present invention will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichaspects of the preferred manner of practicing the present invention areshown, it is to be understood at the outset of the description whichfollows that persons of skill in the appropriate arts may modify theinvention herein described while still achieving the favorable resultsof this invention.

[0018] Accordingly, the description which follows is to be understood asbeing a broad, teaching disclosure directed to persons of skill in theappropriate arts, and not as limiting upon the present invention.

[0019] Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there isshown in phantom a right hand drive Grumman LLV-A postal vehicle 10 ofthe type utilized for many years by the U.S. Postal Service. This righthand drive vehicle 10 has a driver's gear selector lever 12 mounted incustomary fashion on the steering column 14. Lever 12 connects to aconventional shifting tube 16 that runs the length of the steeringcolumn.

[0020] Shifting tube 16, in turn, connects to a manual shift rod thatruns to mechanism 20 for shifting the manual shift lever 22 on the rightside of original equipment transmission 26 (typically a Grumman 180Ctransmission). Details of these connections are shown in FIG. 1A. Asmentioned above, the original equipment transmissions in these vehicleshave had a long history of premature failures and, as importantly, thesetransmissions, when rebuilt and reinstalled, have an even shorter life.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the postal vehicle10 after it has undergone replacement of the original equipmenttransmission with a replacement transmission more properly matched tothe vehicle and its use, in this instance a General Motors 700R4transmission 40. The GM 700R4 transmission 40, with minor mountingchanges discussed below, fits ideally on the chassis of postal vehicle10 because transmission 40 is designed for its principle use on the samechassis (a Chevrolet S-10 pickup chassis) as that used for postalvehicle 10. However, as mentioned above, the original equipmenttransmission 26 is designed for use with a right side drive vehicle, thereplacement transmission 40 is designed for a standard U.S. left sidedrive vehicle. Therefore, the shift lever 128 of replacementtransmission 40 is disposed on the left side of the transmission, remotefrom shift rod 18 that is on the right side of the vehicle. Thesecomponents are operatively connected by the change-over linkage 70 thatwill now be described with primary reference to FIGS. 2A-1, 2A, 3 and 4.Linkage 70 includes first and second chassis attachment plates 74 and 76having openings 80, 82 and 84, 86, 88 for securing the plates to matingopenings in the vehicle chassis by suitable fasteners, preferablyself-tapping bolts. In application of the invention to a Chevrolet S-10chassis as described above, openings 80, 82 and 84, 86, 88 are sized andpositioned to align with existing openings in the longitudinal framemembers 92, 94, respectively, of the chassis.

[0022] Chassis attachment plate 74 is welded to an L-member 100 thatincludes a transverse opening and associated grommet 104 for receivingone end of a transversely mounted rod 110. The other end of rod 110 issupported by a grommet 112 in a transverse opening in L-member 116 thatis secured to chassis attachment plate 76. Thus, the mentioned chassisattachment plates and L-members provide a mechanism for rotatablymounting an elongate rotatable member (rod 110) transversely spanningthe vehicle underneath the replacement transmission, just ahead of theoil pan.

[0023] At the first end of rod 110, adjacent to plate 74 and L-member100, is a first link 120 that is fixedly secured to rod 110. Link 120includes an opening 124 that connects directly to shift rod 18 so thatthe driver's changing of gears through the gear selector lever in thedriver's compartment may be mechanically transmitted to rod 110 asrotational movement of the rod.

[0024] A multicomponent assembly is mounted proximate the opposite endof rod 110 for connecting rod 110 to shift lever 128 of replacementtransmission 40 in such a way that rotational movement of rod 110 servesto operate the shift lever. This assembly comprises a first component130 that is fixedly secured to rod 110 by welding or the like, andrespective pivotally connected links 134 and 138. Opening 140 in link138 connects directly to shift lever 128. This three-part assembly maybe adjusted in configuration by loosening and thereafter tightening theillustrated bolts 145, 147 so that it precisely affixes to shift lever128 for a proper changing of gears in response to the driver's movementof the gear selector lever 12. More particularly, the spatial adjustmentof the assembly is achieved by locating bolt 145 at the desired locationin slot 149 in intermediate link 134 and by pivoting links 134, 138 asnecessary about the pivot points defined at bolts 145, 147.

[0025] While certain features and advantages of the present inventionhave been described above, it will be appreciated that the presentinvention may be made available to the marketplace in the form of a kitcontaining necessary parts to replace the original equipmenttransmission of a right hand drive vehicle with a replacementtransmission of different design, primarily adapted for a left handdrive vehicle. Referring to FIG. 5, such a kit may include:

[0026] a. replacement transmission 40 (for example, General Motors 700R4transmission)

[0027] b. torque convertor 160 (not shown in detail)

[0028] c. universal cable 162 and associated cam 164

[0029] d. universal dipstick and tube 166 (for transmission fluid)

[0030] e. catalytic convertor bracket 170

[0031] f. dust cover 172

[0032] g. drive shaft 176 (shortened)

[0033] h. change-over linkage 70

[0034] i. self-tapping bolts (not shown in FIG. 5)

[0035] j. transmission cooler (as necessary—not shown in FIG. 5).

[0036] The following step-by-step procedure, readily understandable toone of skill in the art upon examination of this specification, is usedto accomplish a transmission replacement of the type described above.This procedure, in certain details, directly relates to the replacementof a 180C transmission in a LLV-A (2.5 liter engine) Grumman postalvehicle with a General Motors 700R4 transmission:

[0037] 1. As the first step in removal of the original equipmenttransmission 26, unhook the “TV cable” kick down linkage.

[0038] 2. Pivot and drop the exhaust back to the muffler.

[0039] 3. Drain the oil pan.

[0040] 4. Remove the drive shaft.

[0041] 5. Take out the torque convertor bolts.

[0042] 6. Unhook transmission fluid cooler lines (as applicable).

[0043] 7. Unplug the lock-up plug (wiring harness).

[0044] 8. Take out cross member 150 (FIG. 1A) that supports thetransmission.

[0045] 9. Unhook the speedometer cable.

[0046] 10. Completely unhook the vacuum arrangement and discard.

[0047] 11. Remove bellhousing bolts.

[0048] 12. Drop the original equipment transmission 26.

[0049] 13. As the first step in installing the replacement transmission40, the replacement transmission is mechanically raised into position.

[0050] 14. Install bellhousing bolts (into the same position as withoriginal equipment).

[0051] 15. Install torque convertor bolts to connect the flywheel to thetorque convertor 160.

[0052] 16. Install the dust cover 172 over torque convertor 160.

[0053] 17. Hook up lines to the external transmission fluid cooler (asapplicable).

[0054] 18. Hook up lines from the transmission cooler to thetransmission (as applicable).

[0055] 19. Install catalytic convertor bracket 170 to replace theoriginal bracket due to the new geometry of the replacementtransmission.

[0056] 20. Cut approximately two inches off the mounting tab of theframe cross member 150 in order to provide needed clearance for removalof the oil pan after the transmission replacement. See the full lengthof tab 154A in the original equipment view of FIG. 1A and the reducedlength tab 154B in the view of FIG. 2A.

[0057] 21. Install the frame cross member 150 to both sides 92, 94 ofthe frame to provide support for the rear of the transmission and securethe cross member to the transmission mounts.

[0058] 22. Install change-over linkage 70 as described above and adjustthe three-part linkage. Note: Holes 84, 86 are used in connection with a2.5 liter engine replacement and holes 84, 88 are used for a 2.2 literreplacement when connecting left chassis attachment plate 76 to leftframe member 94 of the chassis.

[0059] 23. Reinstall the exhaust system, including hooking the catalyticconvertor to its bracket, etc.

[0060] 24. Reinstall original speedometer cable.

[0061] 25. Plug in the wiring harness.

[0062] 26. Install modified (shortened) drive shaft 176. (The driveshaft is shortened due to the increased length of the replacementtransmission.)

[0063] 27. Lower the vehicle and reinstall the “TV cable”, utilizing theuniversal cable 162 and associated cam 164 that fits on the end of thecable. This assembly hooks to the accelerator and to the throttle of thefuel injector intake to control the shift points for the transmission.

[0064] 28. Add transmission fluid and any other necessary fluids.

[0065] While the invention has been described in connection with certainillustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that modifications maybe made without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A change-over linkage in combination with areplacement transmission installed in a right hand drive vehicle whereinthe original transmission with a right side shift lever has beenreplaced with a replacement transmission with a left side shift lever,said change-over linkage serving to transfer gear selection informationemanating from the driver's gear selector lever across the vehicle fromthe right side to the shift lever located on the left side of thereplacement transmission and comprising: an elongate member transverselyspanning the vehicle underneath the replacement transmission, saidlongitudinal member having a first end rotatably supported by the rightside of the vehicle chassis and a second end rotatably supported by theleft side of the vehicle chassis; means proximate the first end of saidelongate member connecting the gear selection mechanism of the vehicleto said elongate member for imparting rotational movement to the memberin response to the driver's selection of gear; and means proximate thesecond end of said elongate member for connecting the elongate member tothe shift lever of the replacement transmission and thereby convertingrotational movement of the elongate member to movement operating theshift lever of the replacement transmission.
 2. The combination of claim1 wherein said means proximate the second end of said elongate membercomprises a multicomponent assembly proximate the left end of saidelongate member connecting the elongate member to the shift lever of thereplacement transmission, said multicomponent assembly comprising afirst component projecting from said rotational member and at least oneadditional link pivotally connected to the first component, said atleast one additional link attaching to the shift lever to convertrotational movement of the elongate member to movement operating theshift lever and providing spatial adjustment between the first componentand the shift lever.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein saidmulticomponent assembly comprises three components, a first componentthat projects from and rotates with said elongate member, a secondcomponent comprising an intermediate link pivotally connected to thefirst component and a third component comprising a link pivotallyconnected to the intermediate link.
 4. The combination of claim 1wherein said elongate member is a rod and said change-over linkageincludes right and left rod support members secured to the right andleft sides, respectively, of the vehicle chassis.
 5. A change-overlinkage for use in a transmission replacement operation for a right handdrive vehicle wherein the original transmission having a right sideshift lever is replaced with a replacement transmission having a leftside shift lever, said change-over linkage serving to transversely spanthe vehicle underneath the replacement transmission and operativelyconnect the right side gear selection mechanism of the vehicle to theleft side shift lever on the replacement transmission, said change-overlinkage comprising: a right side chassis attachment member; a left sidechassis attachment member; an elongate member supported for rotationalmovement at its right and left ends, respectively, by said right andleft chassis attachment members; means proximate the right end of saidelongate member for connecting the gear selection mechanism of thevehicle to the elongate member for imparting rotational movement to theelongate member in response to the driver's selection of gear; and amulticomponent assembly proximate the left end of said elongate memberfor connecting the elongate member to the shift lever of the replacementtransmission, said multicomponent assembly comprising a first componentprojecting from said rotational member and at least one additional linkpivotally connected to the first component, said at least one additionallink attaching to the shift lever to convert rotational movement of theelongate member to movement operating the shift lever and providingspatial adjustment between the first component and the shift lever. 6.The change-over linkage of claim 5 wherein said multicomponent assemblycomprises three components, a first component that projects from androtates with said elongate member, a second component comprising anintermediate link pivotally connected to the first component and a thirdcomponent comprising a link pivotally connected to the intermediatelink.
 7. A method for replacing the transmission of a right hand drivevehicle that has a right side gear selection mechanism and a right sideshift lever on the transmission with a replacement transmission having aleft side shift lever, said method comprising the steps of: removing theoriginal transmission and original drive shaft from a right hand drivevehicle having a right side gear selection mechanism; raising areplacement transmission with left side shift lever, and associatedtorque convertor, into position; connecting the torque convertor to theflywheel of the vehicle; securing the replacement transmission in placeon the vehicle chassis; installing a right-to-left change-over linkageoperatively connecting the right side gear selection mechanism of thevehicle to the left side shift lever on the replacement transmission;and installing a drive shaft having the correct length to accommodatethe dimensions of the replacement transmission.
 8. The method of claim 7wherein the step of installing the change-over linkage comprisesrotatably mounting an elongate member to the left and right sides of thevehicle chassis with the elongate member transversely spanning thevehicle underneath the replacement transmission, connecting the rightend of the elongate member to the gear selection mechanism of thevehicle and connecting an adjustable, multicomponent assembly at theleft end of the elongate member to the shift lever of the replacementtransmission.
 9. A kit for use in replacing the transmission of a righthand drive vehicle that has a right side gear selection mechanism and aright side shift lever on the transmission with a replacementtransmission having a left side shift lever, said kit comprising: areplacement transmission with left side shift lever and associatedtorque convertor; a drive shaft having the correct length to accommodatethe dimensions of the replacement transmission when installed; and achange-over linkage comprising a right side chassis attachment member; aleft side chassis attachment member; an elongate member supported forrotational movement at its right and left ends, respectively, by saidright and left chassis attachment members; means proximate the right endof said elongate member for connecting the gear selection mechanism ofthe vehicle to the elongate member for imparting rotational movement tothe elongate member in response to the driver's selection of gear; and amulticomponent assembly proximate the left end of said elongate memberfor connecting the elongate member to the shift lever of the replacementtransmission, said multicomponent assembly comprising a first componentprojecting from said rotational member and at least one additional linkpivotally connected to the first component, said at least one additionallink attaching to the shift lever to convert rotational movement of theelongate member to movement operating the shift lever and providingspatial adjustment between the first component and the shift lever. 10.The kit of claim 9 further including a dust cover, a catalytic convertorbracket and a transmission fluid dipstick.
 11. The kit of claim 10further including a cable and associated connector for hooking to theaccelerator and the throttle of the fuel injector intake of the vehicleto control the shift points for the transmission.
 12. The kit of claim 9wherein the multicomponent assembly of said change-over linkagecomprises three components, a first component that projects from androtates with said elongate member, a second component comprising anintermediate link pivotally connected to the first component and a thirdcomponent comprising a link pivotally connected to the intermediatelink.